Alignment Aid

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an alignment aid ( 10 ) for golfers which provides a reference means for ensuring optimal positioning of the feet, relative both to each other and a golf ball, for a given club selection. The alignment aid comprises a foot-positioning rail ( 12 ); a ball-positioning rail ( 14 ); and linking arms ( 16   a,    16   b,    18   a,    18   b ). The linking arms are pivotably coupled to the respective rails ( 12, 14 ) so as to interconnect them and maintain them in a selected spaced apart, substantially parallel alignment. The alignment aid is adjustable between: (i) a fully expanded condition (FIG.  1 ) in which the spacing of the respective rails is maximised; (ii) a partially collapsed condition (FIG.  2 ) in which the spacing of the respective rails is reduced relative to the fully expanded condition; and (iii) a fully collapsed condition (FIG.  3 ) in which the respective rails and linking arms are arranged in a fully overlapped configuration for storage and/or transport.

The present invention relates to an alignment aid and particularly, but not exclusively, to an alignment aid for golfers which provides a reference means for ensuring optimal positioning of the feet, relative both to each other and a golf ball, for a given club selection.

Golf is a demanding sport which requires a player to learn, and then physically simultaneously execute, a number of different technical skills each requiring elements of precision, balance and coordination. Typically, it will take a proficient golfer many months, if not years, of practice to master those skills to the extent that a reasonable degree of consistency can be achieved. Golf novices are taught innumerable “rules” relating to different aspects of the game, including: how to aim, how to grip a golf club, how to align their body, how distribute their weight for different shots, how to flex their knees, the importance of keeping the head still whilst swinging a golf club, etc. Not only is it difficult for the novice golfer to assimilate, recall and simultaneously execute the plethora of discrete rules during each golf shot, the game is further complicated by the fact that those rules must be adjusted when striking a golf ball different distances with clubs of differing loft. The daunting nature of the myriad of rules sometimes leads to beginners reverting to their own trial and error approach which often introduces bad habits; is usually not conducive to longer term enjoyment of the game; or indeed may even lead to a beginner giving up the game completely.

The inventor of the present invention has identified that the correct golfing stance is one of the most fundamental aspects of the game which is likely to be most impactful in improving a novice golfer's game. A number of products have already been proposed with the purpose of providing a visual reference guide for stance-width and ball-position. One such example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,607 (U.S. '607) in which coloured markers for relative ball and feet positioning are disclosed. The product is marketed under the name ‘The Set Up Stick’ and distributed in Europe by the Golfing Links Organisation, Scotland. Another such device is disclosed in U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0248971 (US '971) in which a series of transversely interconnected adjustable rods or bars are provided to assist with correct alignment of the hands, feet, spine and a club head during a golf swing.

However, products of the type described above suffer from various shortcomings. For example, products such as that disclosed in U.S. '607 are inadequate for novice golfers since they do not provide any guidance for the positioning of a golfer's feet in terms of their distance from a golf ball. However, more sophisticated products such as that disclosed in U.S. '971 are cumbersome to build and adjust; are not readily collapsible or dimensioned so as to be transportable between shots in a golf bag; and indeed are primarily intended for use at a single fixed location such as a driving range.

Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has identified a need for a simple, compact and effective alignment aid which overcomes, or at least mitigates, one or more of the aforementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an alignment aid for facilitating optimal positioning of a golfer's feet, relative both to each other and a golf ball, for a given golf club selection; the alignment aid comprising:

-   -   a foot-positioning rail;     -   a ball-positioning rail; and     -   linking arms;

wherein the linking arms are pivotably coupled to the respective rails so as to interconnect them and maintain them in a selected spaced apart, substantially parallel alignment; the alignment aid being adjustable between:

-   -   (i) a fully expanded condition in which the spacing of the         respective rails is maximised;     -   (ii) a partially collapsed condition in which the spacing of the         respective rails is reduced relative to the fully expanded         condition; and     -   (iii) a fully collapsed condition in which the respective rails         and linking arms are arranged in a fully overlapped         configuration for storage and/or transport.

Optionally, the foot-positioning rail is provided with visibly perceptible markings at graduated intervals along its length corresponding to recommended foot positions; and the ball-positioning rail is provided with visibly perceptible markings at graduated intervals along its length corresponding to recommended ball positions.

It will be appreciated that the markings are provided at positions which are widely accepted to correspond with an optimal set-up or stance for a golfer.

Optionally, the alignment aid comprises two hinged pairs of linking arms, the free ends of each hinged pair being pivotably coupled to the corresponding distal ends the foot-positioning rail and the ball-positioning rail respectively.

It will be appreciated that the provision of hinged pairs of linking arms allows the spacing of the foot-positioning rail and the ball-positioning rail to be adjusted for different club selections.

Optionally, the linking arms of each pair are each disposed so as to be inclined inwardly toward the opposing pair throughout the full range of adjustment between the fully expanded and fully collapsed conditions.

It will be appreciated that his arrangement reduces the footprint of the alignment aid on the ground, the footprint being generally defined as the area bounded by its external extremities. This arrangement also facilitates compact overlapping in the fully collapsed state because the linking arms fold towards each other and hence avoid any increase in the overall length of the alignment aid.

Optionally, bracing members are connectable between each linking arm and its adjacent foot-positioning rail or ball-positioning rail.

It will be appreciated that the provision of bracing members maintains overall symmetry of the alignment aid by ensuring a mutually parallel alignment of the foot-positioning and ball-positioning rails. Strictly speaking, a minimum of two bracing members are required for this purpose, but preferably three or four are employed.

Optionally, one end of each bracing member is pivotably coupled its corresponding linking arm at a point along its length which is nearer to its hinged connection with an adjoined linking arm than it is to the relevant positioning rail.

It will be appreciated that the length of each bracing member is less than its corresponding linking arm. This ensures that no part of the bracing members extend beyond the linking arms when the alignment aid is fully collapsed such that its overall footprint is minimised.

Optionally, a plurality of releasable fixing points are provided along the foot-positioning rail and/or ball-positioning rail for releasably fixing the other end of each bracing member.

It will be appreciated that the provision of different releasable fixing points allows a user to brace apart the parallel foot-positioning and ball-positioning rails at different distances dependent upon club selection. The releasable fixing points may take the form of rivets having boss heads capable of being press fitted into apertures formed in the bracing member. However, numerous alternative releasable fixings could be employed, e.g., studs, magnetic catches and the like. At a minimum, there will be two releasable fixing points for each bracing member on foot-positioning and ball-positioning rails.

Optionally, the positioning rails, linking arms and bracing members are formed from a lightweight plastics material.

Optionally, a series of strategically positioned apertures are provided in the respective positioning rails, linking arms and bracing members and the pivotable/hingeable connections between them are provided by fasteners received within the apertures.

Optionally, spacing rings surround those fasteners provided at the pivotable connections between the positioning rails and linking arms.

It will be appreciated that the spacing rings may take the form of metal or plastics washers or bushings intended to allow sufficient axial spacing between the overlapped positioning rails in which to accommodate the linking arms and bracing members. The spacing rings may also serve to reduce friction between the respective parts of the alignment aid during adjustment between its fully deployed and fully collapsed conditions.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and claims. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the alignment aid of the present invention in its fully expanded condition;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the alignment aid in its partially collapsed condition;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the alignment aid in its fully collapsed condition;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a series of foot markers on the foot-positioning rail 12; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a series of ball markers on the ball-positioning rail 14.

As shown in FIG. 1 the invention provides an alignment aid 10, primarily intended as a reference means for ensuring optimal positioning of a golfer's feet, relative both to each other and a golf ball, for a given club selection. The alignment aid 10 comprises a foot-positioning rail 12 spaced apart from a ball-positioning rail 14 by linking arm pairs 16 a, 16 b and 18 a, 18 b. Linking arms 16 a, 18 a are pivotably connected to the foot-positioning rail 12 proximate its opposite distal ends at pivot points 20, 22. Ends of linking arms 16 b, 18 b are pivotably connected to the ball-positioning rail 14 proximate its opposite distal ends at pivot points 24, 26. The respective linking arm pairs 16 a, 16 b and 18 a, 18 b are pivotably coupled at their ends at pivot points 28, 30 which are remote from the pivot points 20, 22, 24, 26. An increase or decrease in the actute angle subtended by each rail 12, 14 and its associated linking arm 16 a, 16 b, 18 a, 18 b causes a corresponding increase or decrease in the transverse spacing of the rails 12, 14.

One of the ends of respective foot-rail bracing members 32, 34 are each pivotably connected to linking arms 16 a, 16 b at pivot points 36, 38. The pivot points 36, 38 are positioned on the linking arms 16 a, 16 b at locations which are nearer to pivot points 28, 30 than they are to pivot points 20, 22. The opposite ends of bracing members 32, 34 are each releasably connected to one of a respective pair of fixing points 40 a, 40 b and 40 c, 40 d positioned on the central region of the foot-positioning rail 12.

One of the ends of respective ball-rail bracing members 42, 44 are each pivotably connected to linking arms 18 a, 18 b at pivot points 46, 48. The pivot points 46, 48 are positioned on the linking arms 18 a, 18 b at locations which are nearer to pivot points 28, 30 than they are to pivot points 24, 26. The opposite ends of bracing members 42, 44 are each releasably connected to one of a respective pair of fixing points 50 a, 50 b and 50 c, 50 d on the ball-positioning rail 14.

It will be appreciated that the bracing members 32, 34 and 42, 44 are intended to brace apart the foot-positioning rail 12 and the ball-positioning rail 14 by a predetermined distance. Parallel alignment of the rails 12, 14 is ensured by maintaining symmetry of the bracing members, i.e., by ensuring that the bracing members 32, 34 are each connected to corresponding fixing points 40 a, 40 b and 40 c, 40 d which are equally spaced either side of an axis extending transversely from the mid-point of the foot-positioning rail 12; and by ensuring that the bracing members 42, 44 are each releasably connected to their corresponding fixing points 50 a, 50 b on the ball-positioning rail 14.

The inwardly inclined configuration of the linking arms 16, 18, i.e., whereby they extend at an acute angle relative to the rails 10, 12, is such that the overall footprint of the alignment aid on the ground is minimised both during use and for storage and transport. The term “footprint” is defined as the projection on the ground of an area bounded by the external extremities of the alignment aid. When the alignment aid is in its fully collapsed condition—as shown in FIG. 3—the linking arms 16, 18 hinge about pivot points 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 so as to lie entirely above the foot-positioning rail 12, and entirely below the ball-positioning rail 14. That is to say that the linking arms 16, 18 are fully sandwiched between the respective rails 12, 14.

The configuration and dimensions of the bracing members 32, 34, 42, 44 relative to the linking arms 16, 18 is also such that the overall footprint of the alignment aid on the ground is minimised for storage and transport. When the alignment aid is in its fully collapsed condition, the bracing members 32, 34 hinge about pivot points 36, 38 so as to lie entirely below the linking arms 16 a, 16 b, and entirely above the foot-positioning rail 12. That is to say that the bracing members 32, 34 are fully sandwiched between the foot-positioning rail 12 and the linking arms 16 a, 16 b. Similarly, the bracing members 36, 38 hinge about pivot points 46, 48 so as to lie entirely above the linking arms 18 a, 18 b, and entirely below the ball-positioning rail 14. That is to say that the bracing members 36, 38 are fully sandwiched between the ball-positioning rail 14 and the linking arms 18 a, 18 b.

The overall footprint of the alignment aid when in its fully collapsed state is limited to the length and width the ball-positioning rail 14, i.e., when viewed from above.

In one non-limiting embodiment the alignment aid is constructed from lightweight plastics parts having the following dimensions:

-   -   (i) length of foot-positioning rail 12—940 mm;     -   (ii) length of ball-positioning rail 14—940 mm;     -   (iii) length of individual linking arms 16 a, 16 b, 18 a 18         b—360 mm;     -   (iv) foot-rail bracing members 32, 34—280 mm;     -   (v) length of ball-rail bracing members 42, 44—255 mm;     -   (vi) width of all parts—25 mm; and     -   (vii) depth of all parts—9 mm.

Accordingly, the overall footprint of the alignment aid of the present invention—when in its fully collapsed state—is limited to an area measuring 940 mm×25 mm. The overall depth of the alignment aid when in its fully collapsed state is (9 mm×6) plus the collective depth of spacing rings 52 at pivot points 20, 22, 24 and 26 which is (8 mm×4). The overall dimensions of the alignment aid when in its fully collapsed condition is such that it is readily transportable in a standard golf bag.

In use, the alignment aid 10 is deployed from its fully collapsed storage and transportation condition to a partially or fully expanded position. The extent to which the alignment aid 10 is expanded is dependent upon the distance of the intended golf shot and hence the loft of the selected golf club. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 there are two pairs of predetermined fixing points 40 a, 40 b and 40 c, 40 d positioned on the central region of the foot-positioning rail 12; and two pairs of predetermined fixing points 50 a, 50 b and 50 c, 50 d positioned on the central region of the ball-positioning rail 14. Apertures formed in the bracing members 16, 18 are press-fitted over the fixing points. When the bracing members 16 a, 16 b are attached to the outermost pair 40 a, 40 d; and the bracing members 18 a, 18 b are attached to the innermost pair 50 a, 50 d, the alignment device is assumes its fully expanded condition (see FIG. 1). Conversely, when the bracing members 16 a, 16 b are attached to the innermost pair 40 b, 40 c; and the bracing members 18 a, 18 b are attached to the innermost pair 50 b, 50 c, the alignment device is assumes its partially collapsed condition (see FIG. 2). It will be appreciated that the fully expanded condition is suitable for less lofted clubs, e.g., from a driver down to a five iron; whereas the partially collapsed condition is suitable for more lofted clubs, e.g., from 6 iron up to a pitching wedge. Although not specifically illustrated, additional predetermined fixing points could be provided on both the foot-positioning rail 12 and ball-positioning rail 14 so as to provide a greater number of intermediate transverse spacing distances between the two. Taken to the extreme, each individual golf club could have its own predetermined fixing points associated with it so as to provide precise guidance for a golfer in terms of the optimum transverse distance between the feet and the golf ball/club head.

A series of visibly perceptible markers (not shown) are provided at predetermined graduated intervals along the lengths of the foot-positioning rail 12 and the ball-positioning rail 14 corresponding with optimal positioning of the feet relative to the ball in a lengthwise direction for a given club selection. For example, colour-coded markings may be provided on the foot-positioning rail 12 (FIG. 4) and ball-positioning rail 14 (FIG. 5).

For the foot-positioning rail 12, the coloured markings are provided at progressively increased distances from a centre line. The first marking (brown) is spaced to the right of the centre line by 160 mm; the second marking (orange) is spaced to the right of the centre line by 170 mm; the third marking (green) is spaced to the right of the centre line by 185 mm; the fourth marking (yellow) is spaced to the right of the centre line by 195 mm; the fifth marking (red) is spaced to the right of the centre line by 210 mm; and the sixth and final marking (black) is spaced to the right of the centre line by 220 mm. The particular example shown in FIG. 4 illustrates the optimum positions for a left-handed golfer's leading foot (i.e., alternative markings are provided as a mirror image about the centre-line for right-handed golfers).

For the ball-positioning rail 14, the coloured markings are provided at progressively increased distances from a coloured (blue) centre line. The first markings (brown) are spaced either side of the centre line by 35 mm; the second first markings (orange) are spaced either side of the centre line by 70 mm; the third markings (green) are spaced either side of the centre line by 110 mm; the fourth markings (yellow) are spaced either side of the centre line by 150 mm; the fifth markings (red) are spaced either side of the centre line by 190 mm; and the sixth and final markings (black) are spaced either side of the centre line by 230 mm. The particular example shown in FIG. 5 illustrates the optimum positions for a golf ball relative to the equivalent coloured markings on the foot-positioning rail 12.

Additionally, the colour-codings described above may be cross-referenced with different golf club selections and this information or “key” may be provided on, for example, the bracing member 18 a.

After use, the alignment aid 10 is stowed in its fully collapsed storage and transportation condition by disengaging the bracing members from the predetermined fixing points 40, 50 and moving the foot-positioning rail 12 and ball-positioning rail 14 towards one another. In doing so, the rails 10, 12 and linking arms 16 a, 16 b, 18 a, 18 b all fold towards one another. The bracing members 32, 34, 42, 44 can each be manually pivoted about their pivot points 36, 38, 46, 48 so as to become aligned with the linking arm to which they are attached. When in the fully collapsed condition, all parts of the alignment aid become aligned and are stacked in an overlapping configuration as shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, pivot pins 54 are provided at the various pivot points 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36, 38, 46, 48 and arranged so as to be flush with, or recessed within, the top and bottom external surfaces of the alignment aid 10. Spacing rings 52 are mounted on the pivot pins 54 so as to maintain predetermined separations in the depth direction between adjacent parts of the alignment aid 10. In particular, the separation in the depth direction at the pivot points 20, 22, 24, 26 must be greater than that at 28, 30, 36, 38, 46, 48 so that the linking arms 16 a, 16 b, 18 a, 18 b and the bracing members 32, 34, 42, 44 can be accommodated between the foot-positioning rail 12 and ball-positioning rail 14. Optionally, the pivot pins 54 located at pivot points 36, 38 are not flush with, or recessed within, the bottom external surface of the alignment aid 10. Instead, an extension of the pivot pins 54 is locatable within a recess or aperture formed in the foot-positioning rail 12 so as to form a releasable catch to temporarily maintain the alignment aid in its fully collapsed condition during storage and transportation.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration only. Indeed, modification and improvements may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. 

1. An alignment aid for facilitating optimal positioning of a golfer's feet, relative both to each other and a golf ball, for a given golf club selection; the alignment aid comprising: a foot-positioning rail; a ball-positioning rail; and linking arms; wherein the linking arms are pivotably coupled to the respective rails so as to interconnect them and maintain them in a selected spaced apart, substantially parallel alignment; the alignment aid being adjustable between: (i) a fully expanded condition in which the spacing of the respective rails is maximised; (ii) a partially collapsed condition in which the spacing of the respective rails is reduced relative to the fully expanded condition; and (iii) a fully collapsed condition in which the respective rails and linking arms are arranged in a fully overlapped configuration for storage and/or transport.
 2. An alignment aid according to claim 1, wherein the foot-positioning rail is provided with visibly perceptible markings at graduated intervals along its length corresponding to recommended foot positions; and the ball-positioning rail is provided with visibly perceptible markings at graduated intervals along its length corresponding to recommended ball positions.
 3. An alignment aid according to claim 1, wherein alignment aid comprises two hinged pairs of linking arms, the free ends of each hinged pair being pivotably coupled to the corresponding distal ends the foot-positioning rail and the ball-positioning rail respectively.
 4. An alignment aid according to claim 3, wherein the linking arms of each pair are each disposed so as to be inclined inwardly toward the opposing pair throughout the full range of adjustment between the fully expanded and fully collapsed conditions.
 5. An alignment aid according to claim 3, wherein bracing members are connectable between each linking arm and its adjacent foot-positioning rail or ball-positioning rail.
 6. An alignment aid according to claim 5, wherein one end of each bracing member is pivotably coupled its corresponding linking arm at a point along its length which is nearer to its hinged connection with an adjoined linking arm than it is to the relevant positioning rail.
 7. An alignment aid according to claim 6, wherein a series of releasable fixing points are provided along the foot-positioning rail and/or ball-positioning rail for releasably fixing the other end of each bracing member.
 8. An alignment aid according to claim 1, wherein the positioning rails, linking arms and bracing members are form from a lightweight plastics material.
 9. An alignment aid according to claim 5, wherein a series of strategically positioned apertures are provided in the respective positioning rails, linking arms and bracing members and the pivotable/hingeable connections between them are provided by fasteners received within the apertures.
 10. An alignment aid according to claim 9, wherein spacing rings surround those fasteners provided at the pivotable connections between the positioning rails and linking arms. 